A West Kerry community organisation has claimed that the OPW has delayed signing a lease which would allow for the development of a playground.
Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin says the site for the playground in Dún Chaoin is shovel ready.
However, the community co-operative claims this is being delayed because the Office of Public Works has yet to sign a lease which would hand the site over to Kerry County Council.
In partnership with Kerry County Council, Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin identified OPW-owned land at An Cheathrúin for the playground.
Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin says in 2021, the OPW agreed to lease the land subject to planning permission.
The community obtained planning permission, raised €40,000, secured additional funding from the LEADER programme, and appointed a contractor.
The total project cost was estimated at €200,000.
The community had hoped that the playground would be ready this summer.
Comharchumann Dhún Chaoin is worried that LEADER funding may be lost due to the delay in the signing of the lease.
Deputy Michael Cahill says it's "absolutely ridiculous that this matter has dragged on for so long" and that the "children of Dún Chaoin deserve their own playground".
The OPW says a preliminary agreement (Heads of Terms) has been agreed to lease land to Kerry County Council for a playground.
It says it’s pleased that the Dún Chaoin Co-operative has secured funding.
The OPW says it’s working closely with the council and its legal team, and the Chief State Solicitor’s office, to speedily finalise and sign the lease agreement.
The Minister for Public Expenditure, Jack Chambers, says his officials are continuing to work hard to finalise a lease for the site.
